Flying Squirrels president supports Mayor Jones' Shockoe vision

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) -

The head of the Richmond Flying Squirrels is expressing his support for a new baseball park in Shockoe Bottom.

"The Squirrels have always believed that plans for a new ballpark should be made in accordance with the best interests of the City of Richmond. Mayor Jones and his administration have determined that the Squirrels' new home should be part of a dynamic redevelopment of Shockoe Bottom," President and Managing General Partner Lou DiBella said in a statement. "We support the Mayor's vision and look forward to being an anchor resident in the new Shockoe Bottom as part of this major transformation of Richmond."

The new group says it would not use taxpayer dollars for their project, which would be based on the Greensboro, North Carolina model. Councilman Jon Baliles says developers have agreed to purchase the 10 acres on the North Boulevard site at the assessed value to build a ballpark and other development. Then, options for the other acreage will be negotiated.

All nine council members and the mayor's administration have been approached about the plan.